October 25, 2022
Two Recognized as Communicators of the Year
The Communicator of the Year Award goes to two recipients, Dr. Kelsey Andersen Onofre, an extension specialist in wheat plant pathology in the Department of Plant Pathology; and Alexa Hayes, youth livestock coordinator in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry. Both exemplify the desire to make extension programming available to all, which is one of the marks of an effective communicator.
Kelsey Andersen Onofre has been in her position since 2020. In that time she had used a variety of communication tools to reach producers, extension agents, Ag retailers, and crop consultants with research-based information. She's been effective in adapting events such as a wheat plot tour to also be accessible to those who are not able to participate in person.
Alexa Hayes has been the youth livestock coordinator for seven years. During that time she has effectively communicated about the youth livestock program with a variety of audiences. She's developed a guide to help families navigate the requirements for livestock nominations and implemented a new process for state 4-H livestock nominations.
Both are commended for their enthusiasm, knowledge, leadership and innovation in reaching audiences for K-State Research and Extension.
The award is presented annually by the K-State Department of Communications and Agricultural Education members and the Kansas chapter of the Association for Communication Excellence (ACE), the international professional association for extension communicators.